Fodor's Expert Review Vida, Sol e Mar Beach Village

This rustic-chic eco-resort offers easy access to the beach and several amenities, with comfortable rooms and villas with grand views of the sea scattered about the property, among palm trees and shrubbery. The poolside restaurant Engenho do Mar offers ecletic fare with emphasis on seafood. Instituto Baleia Franca operates out of reception, organizing land-based guided tours with biologists to see the southern right whale (R$60 per person; June to November). Guided hiking and horseback tours in the nearby Atlantic rain forest as well as surfing classes are also available.